Superstitious -- WooHoo people please come in.

[Gypsy]

I'm somewhat superstitious and believe in some woohoo things, I admit it.

And I am wondering if there are any others here.

I've had a run of bad luck-- everything previously good in my life recently has been turning sour. It's like I'm jinxed. In the last few weeks a lot of bad things have happened (and it's been happening for a while longer but it would take too long to list, THAT how many wonky things have happened) but the stuff I don't mind posting on an internet site is: I went on dream vacation but broke my foot (not while zip lining, but while walking on a boat), my car (2 years old and 12k miles only) had a bunch of inexplicable trouble this week and is now in the shop indefinitely, I fell and hit my head right into a mild concussion, my nook (3 weeks old) broke today.

I feel like I have a dark cloud I need to dispel.

I know not everyone believes in this stuff, so please if you don't-- I get enough 'sensible advice' from my non-believing husband and don't need any more, thank you. And mocking is not welcome, please take it elsewhere.

Between the broken foot and the broken car I can't get out of the house tomorrow but I have hubby agreeing to pick up a few things.

I figured on drying some sage and burning it in the house. I'm persian so I will be burning esfand too (dried wild rue).

I don't have any 'eye' things around. But I can get some next week. I should have a couple, but with Dh's disbelief I guess I just got rid of it all.

Just wondering if there are any things you do to dispel negative energy.

I know it may not help in reality. But even if it's a placebo effect it would make me feel better.

Please be respectful in your responses.

 

[kenny]

Sometimes bad stuff just happens.

Keep breathing.
Tomorrow's another day.

 

[Aoife]

I'm not really superstitious, but I do believe that places where sad or bad things have happened can retain that energy. I burn candles, open windows, do spring cleaning, play beautiful music, anything to change the energy or feeling of the space. Or maybe it's just my energy I'm changing! It does seem to work, though.

I'm so sorry that you've been having such a run of bad luck, Gypsy.

 

[HopeDream]

I'm not superstitious, but when life gets overwhelming, nothing is better than cleaning up and clearing out the house. Get rid of clutter, broken and half finished things, dead and dried plants and anything else that seems stagnant, or makes you unhappy when you look at it. Clean your jewelry. Then go buy your self a nice new vase of fresh flowers.

Sometimes it's good to make a pligramage to a place that feels sacred and make some kind of offering or have a conclusion activity to mentaly prepare yourself for better times to come.

I've also heard "change your shirt, change your luck" - so maybe it's time for a new outfit.

I hope things get better soon!

 

[HopeDream]

I'm not superstitious, but when life gets overwhelming, nothing is better than cleaning up and clearing out the house. Get rid of clutter, broken and half finished things, dead and dried plants and anything else that seems stagnant, or makes you unhappy when you look at it. Clean your jewelry. Then go buy your self a nice new vase of fresh flowers.

Sometimes it's good to make a pligramage to a place that feels sacred and make some kind of offering or have a conclusion activity to mentaly prepare yourself for better times to come.

I've also heard "change your shirt, change your luck" - so maybe it's time for a new outfit.

 

[Gypsy]

Okay. I will clean up the house this week. And maybe a good activity with my broken ankle is to finally organize the office and getting the clutter out of the house. The only flowers I have are still alive. But for spring I always get lovely flowers in the house, so I'll grab some later this week or next weekend.

The weather should be nice so some airing out will be good.

And I'll burn the sage and do some other stuff on top of it. Doesn't hurt as far as I'm concerned. Not this coming Monday, but next Monday is the first day of Spring so I need a Spring cleaning anyway. The seasons have gotten away from me as we've had such a mild winter.

Thank you guys.

Anyone else have any suggestions, even ones that are wacky, let me know. I'll pretty much try anything once as long as it doesn't involve anyone or anything else.

 

[makemepretty]

Good and bad luck seems to come in "groups". I don't know really why it happens that way. If you can, try to do something nice for someone. For some reason, positive actions sometimes come back as good karma. Also positive thinking helps too. Count your blessings and treat yourself to get your mood up. I'm sending some good vibes your way!

 

[rainydaze]

hi gypsy! unfortunately i don't have any special 'cures' up my sleeves. music often lifts my spirits and sometimes this helps shift the negative energy in my life. i came on mainly to say that i feel for you (also saw the 24 hour thread, my heart was aching all over the place), clearly you are having a very rough time. i hope things start turning around sooner rather than later, and that someone has some better 'woohoo' suggestions for you than i do! i'm sending you lots of hugs and positive energy!!

 

[jeweln]

I find that when too many good things happen to me ,then something bad is bound to happen .it is like I have to "pay" for the good things . that's why I try to count my blessings daily .if you are religious ,then reading from your holy book might help you a great deal in bad times .

 

[Aoife]

Gypsy, here's another idea for changing the negative energy: do you have a close friend who lives nearby? When my DH and I were having a run of very bad luck many years ago (there was a political shake-up at his job, and he was forced out) we were so sad, so scared, so stressed (no income, two small children, no family nearby) that the house felt as though it had a dark cloud hovering over it. One of my sisters came from out of state, and for about a week we all watched funny movies, had pajama parties in the family room, talked and laughed. If you have someone who could come in and laugh with you, bring a little joy into the house, that also might help some of that negative funk drain out of the house.

 

[Skippy123]

I am sorry and hope things get better; I too notice some things happen in 3's and then you are fine for a longtime. Sounds like you had your three? Hope things have turned around for the better

 

[Enerchi]

I don't know how to break a spell or curse but a reversal of energy is in order. Open the windows, get movement in the house (wind chimes, motion based mobiles, hanging crystals... pets even), expose yourself to sunshine, cleanse items that you wear on a regular basis (not meaning only clothing but jewellry too/things in your purse (hairbrush/comb?), change the routine habits you have and do things in a backwards way.

In feng shui, if there is an area of your life you want to work on, focus on that area of your home. Google feng shui and focus on advise via the compass method because you can change things from a macro setting (your house on your lot) down to micro (how you set things up at your desk). Most people focus on relationships first then money then family. Doing anything with intent and belief that it will work, is the key.
Relationships are the SW pie shape of your home - put things in pairs, photos of the two of you, add earth items to that section of your home, things that symbolize romance to you and your DH... as an example.
Money/wealth is the SE section - things that symbolize wealth to you - orchids, jewels, perfume, etc. - place them here, in sun if you can manage it, and with intent. "I have an abundance of wealth in my life".
Family is the E - things that have significance to you - parents/grandparents/what you wish for your family...
These are just a few ideas - google bagua and see what else you come up with.

I hope things change around for you soon. Get out (I know you are limited in mobility both due to your ankle and your car) but if you can ge outside and moving in anyway, that will help. And I don't want to be cliche, but a shift in attitude is helpful too. Turn the thinking about the situation into a more positive spin "yes, this is happening, but it is ending and I am leaving the bad behind me. This will pass".

Good luck Gypsy

 

[Circe]

I used to be pretty woo. Lost my faith along the line, but the underlying principles still hold true.

My suggestions: anoint the entryways of your house with salt. Take a bowl of clean, pure, water, add lots of pure salt, do something that will, in your belief system, make it even more imbued with energy - let it charge in the sun, for example - and then go around your house, outlining every door and window with it generously. Pause before each to visualize an unbroken seal (which you can finish off at each with the holy symbol of your choice, if you choose).

Alternately: Hang rowan and red thread over your door, or iron; both were though to keep out evil influences. Or light a candle, gaze into it, and visualize an unbroken shield surrounding you, your house, your loved ones, until your mental image is as complete and three-dimensional as you can make it.

That said, the important part of all this isn't the motion: it's talking your subconscious into believing the intent behind the actions, and the actions act as a kind of symbolic dumbshow to REALLY let your mind know you're serious. Best book I ever read on the topic was Nancy Watson's Practical Solitary Magic. It's less woo, and more Jungian psychology dressed in the drag of woo.

P.S. - For what it's worth, I just went through a patch like that myself. I felt like I needed to shout "INCOMING!" towards the end of it. It passed on its own - I could only assume that either Mercury was in retrograde, or some random birthday present had carried a curse with an expiration date (or, perhaps more likely, that the first Bad Thing had predisposed me to see the rest as part of a pattern). I was very relieved when it went away, and I hope yours does soon as well. Could this be an appropriate occasion for DUST?

 

[Aoife]

There's something about your post, Gypsy, that really made me stop and think about things I do when when there's bad ju-ju floating around in our home or our lives, so here's another one:

A few years ago I bought this for our home, and one for each of our daughters. http://www.gaelsong.com/product/146011/decor-celtic-plaques Although we are not Jewish, it is in the tradition of a mezuzah. I wrote a blessing/intention/wish for each of them, and when we mounted them near the front doors of each house, the blessing went underneath the plate. Now, whenever I go in or out, or am feeling the need to re-center, I'll touch the plate as I pass. It's kind of a tactile and physical reminder to bring the positive in, and let the negative dissipate.

Lots of good suggestions on this thread, I hope something in all this resonates with you, and helps you cope with the bad stuff that's going on.

Lots of dust.

 

[movie zombie]

white sage, right? nothing like a white sage cleansing.........

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

Im practical, im sorry. I want you to get sunshine at least 20 minutes a day in direct sunlight, eyes closed, taking yourself to a favorite relaxing place.(for me that is the beach--I can make myself smell the salt air) That is for you directly. Sit in the parking lot if you have to. Feel the warmth of the sun, Take a deep breath, lift your shoulders, exhale at the same time relaxing your shoulders. Do that with your body parts. Tighten, relax. Now the sun will heal.

@. Rent funny movies. I laugh myself silly at an Albert Brooks movie about Las Vegas where he and his wife decide to pack up and leave good jobs. I don't remember the name. Maybe somebody here remembers. I know after a relaxing period in the sun. this will have you smiling.

Know that randomness does occur in the universe and it hasn't picked on you on purpose. Very few get that dream ride thru life.

I am not a believer, but I pray because it focuses my attention on someone or somewhere else. Pray for others, it just shows you care, if only to yourself.

Sometimes I shout in my mind to any eveil spirits in my house to be gone, never to show up in my house. Its all silly, but I want them to know they are unwelcome.

I worry about you, silently behind a computer. If you feel unloved, uncherished, and you hurt, say it to him exposing the hurt, calmly--men are afraid of emotion.


My best wishes for you in your quest to feel life anew.

Annette

Don't be so strong, most of us are not.

 

[Dancing Fire]

hang in there Gypsy things will get better.

 

[Gypsy]

Wow. A lot of depth and thought in this thread. Even more caring and empathy and love. Looks like posting this was a good start, to help me feel less alone and, as Circe put it so aptly a little less like I'm balanced on the edge of a knife waiting to yell "incoming".

I WILL address each post directly, because with all the heart everyone put out there for me, I want to do the same for you. But I'm a but verklempt for lack of a better word, touched and I think I need to process your very kind thoughtful and loving posts before I respond.

But just to start: Thank you so much, and you've all touched me very much. Both the people that posted here openly, and those who contacted me privately through email or FB to offer support and love and suggestions.

 

[Hera]

I think it was good that Enerchi brought up Feng Shui. There's one rule that I always follow in regards to it. If you have a king size bed, it's a good idea to place a red sheet underneath the mattress and over the box frame. This is essential because many times, king size beds have a split box frame and feng shui talks about the energy being split. If it's split, it can cause marital discourse in a marriage. So, placing a red sheet over the box spring corrects the split in energy.

Anyways, I hope things get better for you soon. There's only one way for it to go!

 

[decodelighted]

@. Rent funny movies. I laugh myself silly at an Albert Brooks movie about Las Vegas where he and his wife decide to pack up and leave good jobs.

"LOST IN AMERICA"! It's a fave of mine too! "Spinal Tap" also does *it* for me.

 

[Laila619]

Just wanted to say I'm so sorry for all your troubles, Gypsy. Hugs.

 

[radiantquest]

Sorry to hear you are having troubles. I am not as deep as some others on here, but I get into what I call "FUNKS". Nothing seems to go right and every aspect of my life is askew.

I am superstitious, but feel like all the problems start with me. I take a long hot shower. As if to clean as much of the "bad" off. Then I change everything I can about myself from what I was doing. It can be as simple as changing my nail polish color, switching purses, cleaning jewelry, getting rid of old clothes and shoes, organizing my paper files.

I think that for whatever reason I am attracting bad energy so I change some things up. I start to feel better about myself and my situation. It gives me a more optimistic view of life. I am a big time believer that if you think positive, positive things will happen and if you are a debbie-downer, bad energy will find you. Keep your chin up, think positively and push through. Unless you have been a terrible person recently your "funk" will soon end.

 

[ericad]

Major WooHoo alert - get ready for it

Gypsy, have you tried cleansing your jewelry items? We were advised some time ago, by a psychic who Grace and I very much believe and trust (a personal acquaintance, a woman who accepts no money or compensation for her assistance), to cleanse all of our pieces in a dry sea salt bath to rid them of "imprints" from former owners.

Grace and I actually do this for every piece that we sell - just another value added service, though we don't advertise this fact, lol, people will say we're off our rockers. Though maybe I'll add it to our FAQs

I'd go so far as to suggest that everyone do this, even with modern goods, because even "new" diamonds on the market may have been previously owned, old stones that were recut, etc.

Here's the process:

Use a glass dish, clear glass only! Fill with dry sea salt and bury your jewelry items in the salt, must be completely covered by the salt. Leave like this for a minimum of a few hours, though Grace and I do ours for 12+ hours, which is preferred.

Was there a particular piece of jewelry that you acquired around the time your bad luck streak started?

 

[iLander]

I am as woohoo as it gets, I think.

Here's how to get rid of a curse; find an uncooked egg, and concentrate on it, thinking of all the bad things that have happened. Then reach out with your arms and "pull" the negative energy out of the air and "push" it into the egg (without actually touching the egg). You have to really concentrate, and you'd be surprised how it makes you feel better. Then bury the egg in the northwest corner of your land, as far away from your house as possible. What you've done it taken someone's negative thoughts about you and captured them and buried them. The negative thoughts are a form of "curse" or evil eye. Envy is usually the source of these thoughts,do you have someone that has envied you lately? If you know which direction they live, you want to pull the energy from that direction.

How's that for woohoo? I finally did it and it broke a year's worth of bad luck for me ( knock on wood).

I also believe in
Money trees (but not lucky bamboo-go figure)
The evil eye (paint your front door blue, wear eye jewelry)
Planting in the new moon (farmer's alamanc agrees!)
Throwing spilled salt over my left shoulder with my right hand
Keeping buddha statues on high shelves above your head, rubbing their belly
I Ching fortune telling sticks or coins
If your palm itches you will get money
If you sneeze three times you will have a visitor
I can align your Chakras (this is tricky, you can hurt people if you're not careful. Seriously.)
Knocking on wood (all the time)
Burning sage (finally got a house to sell after I did this)
Most things horoscope-related, especially compatibility
Zuni fetishes and their powers
I'm sure I'm forgetting something. . .

So yeah, I think I win.

Does it help if I say I don't believe in aliens, loch ness monster or bigfoot?

 

[HollyS]

There is no such thing as bad luck vs. good luck. Sh*t happens. That's why someone made the bumper sticker.

But, if you want help, try prayer.

 

[iLander]

Oh, I forgot to say; I also believe that selfless prayers really work.

 

[Gypsy]

Kenny and Holly, yes crap happens. I agree. Doesn't mean I'm not gonna cope by trying to control it. And Holly: One person's prayer is another's white sage.

Aoife: Thank you so much for all your incredible posts! The house got much cleaner to day and we left a lot of windows open. And I think by the end of the week it will be better still cause I'm planning to finally put away the Christmas decorations (they're down but on the dining table, stacked). I will light some candles for sure. I hesitate to mention this but... we moved here in this apartment last March (also the time I started a new job and DH did too) and the previous owner had passed away in here (which is why we got such a great deal and could afford the place). I didn't think anything of it-- everything was replaced (from the linoleum to the carpets to the counters), but I am now thinking that maybe a different type of cleansing-- for any lingering energy as you mentioned-- might be helpful. Hence the sage and rue. I do have some close friends near by that do spend days with us and change the energy, that's a great tip and actually they were here today, which was lovely. If they can manage it I will invite them back down for a weekend soon. I also really like that Plaque. I might just get one for myself this week. I found a free shipping coupon for the site but couldn't get it to work. Will try again.

My bad 'juju' really started early last year.

Hopedream, I'm going to do a lot of what you suggested, thanks! The Persian New Year is next week on the Spring Equinox so I would normally do a lot of cleaning, organizing, buying flowers and things then anyway so it works out. I had several new outfits in Hawaii though and came home with the broken ankle... so not thinking that one works for ME.

Makemepretty, I think your good vibes worked. Last night DH and I had a little break though, well, I had a breakthrough DH appreciated. Thank you honey.

Hi Rainy honey. I always love 'seeing' you. It's a hard time, and the two days where I posted that thread and this one were particularly dark. I really appreciate your post and the support and the friendship. ((HUGS))

HI Jewel, thank you so much for your post. I'm not particularly religious but I need turn to a book on relationships (non religious) that had some helpful tips. And also this thread has been a huge help in making me feel less alone. We all find strength in different things, I guess.

Thank you for your post Skippy. I've had like 30 honestly. It's very much been a non-stop rollercoaster here since early last year. I am hopeful it will improve though.

Enerchi: I'm planning some feng shui changes this week. DH is being patient about it. But I think it's great advice. I will keep the windows open all this week, the weather permitting. And after I read your post I cleaned my hairbrush and will tackle my nightstand with everything else in it this week. The positive spin thing is very important, I agree, and I am doing much better at it today. Thanks so much for the thoughtful advice and the support.

MZ-- that's the goal. Need to find a place in Fremont that sells it. I agree about the cleansing properties.

Circe honey, great advice about intent. I never thought of it that way, but will do things purposefully this week. I will do the salt at the entry way... right after I get the rue and the sage in here. I really think there is an energy in this apartment I need to purge. After that I will do the salt. I think I'll also pick up the book. And "what it's worth" is a lot, as your sharing made me feel much less alone. Misery and company, I guess.

smitcompton -- No need to apologize for being practical. I did sit out in the sun one day and do what you said and it helped. I'll make an effort to do that a few more times this week-- especially since I realized that I can do that from Lucy's (one of our cats) room without having to go outside and deal with stairs . And since DH is gone at a conference this week I definitely think I will rent a few funny movies. It's a great suggestion. So is the shouting at the spirits, I'm really gonna do that-- tomorrow in fact right after DH leaves. As for being alone behind the computer and feeling unloved. It's so complicated and long but... he knows, intimately how I feel. We're in couples therapy and making a very strong effort to be kind to each other but some things that happen in relationships and between people are just HARD and take a lot of TIME to work through and there are bad days. I'm not stuck feeling that way all the time, but I definitely was for the majority of last week. And I was ANGRY to boot. I've got a bit of perspective in the last couple of days, and I've had some great reminders (including this thread) that I'm not alone-- even online. And I will pray for others, thank you for the reminder and for your wonderful, touching, post.

Thank you DF, and ditto. ((HUGS))

heraanderson -- I bought one today. Thank you honey.

Deco, I haven't seen either. Will have to see if they are available on Netflix or On Demand. Thank you.

Thank you Radiantquest for your empathy. I was definitely in a funk, I'm still there a bit, but getting better. I think part of it is just feeling out of control. If nothing else the woohoo stuff gives me that. ((HUGS))

Ericad... nope haven't been doing that, but will do this week. As for new items. I think I got both my new setting and my Odds and Ends in early 2011. I'll make sure those get particular attention. Thank you so much for sharing that ritual with me, I really appreciate it.

Hi iLander, I wasn't aware there was a competition, but sure... you can be the winner if you want . And for the record, I kinda might believe in Nessy . As for the ritual... one complication: we don't really have land. You know, to bury the egg. Not even so much as a potted plant. We live on the second floor of an apartment complex.

 

[Jennifer W]

Hey Gypsy, sorry to hear that you're going through a rough patch. That's what you're doing though - going through it. As in, you'll come out the other end. Hugs.

I'm not a superstitious person, but I have seen some examples of karma in my life. When things are going badly for me, the first thing I do is look at me (maybe that's mostly just a sign that I'm self-obsessed, now I think about it...). Am I doing something mean? Do I need to make amends for something I have done, offer an apology or attend to a particular situation? Have I behaved with integrity and kindness, or is something out of kilter?

Not saying you've done something to deserve bad stuff, or that there IS anything hanging over you, just that I find it more effective to spring clean my mind and heart than my possessions.

I don't know if that helps or hinders, and just to reiterate, I'm not saying anything bad is your fault. Just sharing that I look to internal rather than external reasons, personally.